STORRS — UConn's best-played game under coach Bob Diaco was a 38-21 loss to Boise State at home in Week 3.

And the Huskies, 1-3 overall, 0-1 in the American Athletic Conference, didn't exactly lose to a league power when they slipped and fell at South Florida in a 17-14 loss Friday night in Tampa.

Fans?

They're probably upset. They were hoping for something different under the energetic Diaco, who was hired in December.

He never promised the fans or anybody else a rose garden in Year One, and things have been thorny.

The Huskies have shown flashes of being good, especially on defense, but the offense not so much.

UConn opened conference play with a 17-14 loss to the University of South Florida at Raymond James Stadium on Friday night.

Overall, the Huskies have a long way to go and Diaco is convinced the team will get there.

"If you're trying hard and your receptors are open to coaching and you're getting better to a man, what do I have to be upset about, honestly?" Diaco said during his weekly press conference, this one previewing Temple (2-1, 0-0), which comes to Rentschler Field Saturday (4 p.m., ESPNews).

Diaco said in a team meeting in Storrs that he sensed the players weren't sure if the coach would unload on them after the loss.

"I am looking back at them and it's just a real moment, a visceral moment, like why are you guys looking at me like that?" Diaco said. "What do you think I'm going to do and say right now? We're not about de-humanizing. We're not about disrespect. We're all about correcting the mistakes, having an intense, detailed environment — but we're all about love and respect."

Doesn't seem too tough, but UConn fans and offensive coordinator Mike Cummings can't be pleased. The Huskies rank 100th or worse in many offensive categories. And Temple, the Huskies'...

There are 125 teams that play in the FBS, so a ranking below 100 is needed to finish in the top 80 percent nationally.

Doesn't seem too tough, but UConn fans and offensive coordinator Mike Cummings can't be pleased. The Huskies rank 100th or worse in many offensive categories. And Temple, the Huskies'...

(SCOTT POWERS)

That love and respect thing the Huskies are building is about to be tested in their most difficult stretch of the season. After Saturday's game against Temple, the Huskies will be one game shy of midseason. Tulane, East Carolina, UCF, Army

It is going that fast.

The numbers don't tell the whole story, such as player experience — but they don't lie, either and there are numbers that do tell a story. One that likely doesn't need numbers to determine: the offense is one of the worst in the country.

There are 125 teams that play in the FBS, and UConn's offensive numbers in many categories are 100 or above. For example, scoring offense is 119th (16 ppg), total offense is 122nd (253.3 ypg), rushing offense is 120th (257 yards, less than 2 per carry), passing offense is 100th (189 yards per game). UConn also has allowed 17 sacks.

This is where the teams' biggest struggles lie and the Huskies' inexperience on the offensive line is going to have to grow up fast. For example, the games have been on-the-job training for sophomore left tackle Richard Levy, who has struggled but is the Huskies' best option there. Junior right guard Tyler Samra has started five games in his career – four this season. Left guard Gus Cruz missed most of last season. Junior Dalton Gifford and sophomore Andreas Knappe compete at right guard but Gifford started six games last year. Knappe is in competition on the line for the first time. Alex Mateas, the senior center and captain, is really the only OL player with experience. That's the skin the Huskies are in at the moment: young and or inexperienced.

Their next challenge is Temple, ranked 15th in total defense, allowing 296 yards a game. The UConn defense is a top 50 – No. 38, allowing 344 yards a game.

WR Davis Needs Ball

One way the UConn offense might improve is getting the ball to senior wide receiver Geremy Davis. While he is the Huskies' most explosive offensive player, the numbers are far too low.

Davis is the Huskies' leading receiver with 288 yards on 17 catches, including three touchdowns and a 32-yarder in the waning moments at USF. Davis had 15 catches for 207 yards in the 2013 season finale against Memphis.

"I don't know. I don't call the plays," quarterback Chandler Whitmer said with a smile. "I just run the plays. But he's obviously a good player and wants to touch the ball. Honestly, he's a physical player too and he'll be out there in the run game blocking his tail off.

"And it's nice to see other guys stepping up, Noel Thomas the other night, DeShon Foxx. So yes, Geremy is talent but we also have some talented young guys and Foxx is an older guy. We got some nice running backs, too, so we've just got to put it all together."

Fumbling RBs

Ah the running backs.

Max DeLorenzo, Josh Marriner and Arkeel Newsome each have had first-quarter fumbles that led to opponent touchdowns.

What gives?

"It's something we have to continue to move forward and get better and not cause those turnovers, continue to work in practice, hold onto the ball and make sure we make the right decision with the ball all the time," said Marriner (24 carries for 55 yards), the only UConn RB with a rushing touchdown. Marriner fumbled near the UConn goal line against Stony Brook resulting in a Seawolves touchdown. "Fumbles don't come from hits but from ball position. We have to make sure we have it high and tight all the time." … Diaco said the offensive line provided creases for backs to wiggle through against South Florida but the backs didn't take advantage.